The mind-body connection is real, and it's measurable. 
Studies show:
→ Chronic stress shrinks the hippocampus
→ Depression increases inflammatory markers
→ Anxiety alters gut microbiota
But here’s the hopeful part: every positive mental health choice also physically heals you.
Longer read with sources: https://bit.ly/4cGqu3p
(Alt text: Illustration of a brain and heart connected by neural pathways)
No RFK Jr. There's no autism epidemic in the US or anywhere. There is just more diagnosis, acceptance & understanding, & this is way it should be. It's dangerous to dehumanise neurodivergence, rather than accept that brains are often wired differently.
My new book on autism and madness for anyone who missed it
The Little Book Of Madness
@actuallyautistic @mentalhealth@newsmast.community @mentalhealth@lemmy.world @mentalhealth@a.gup.pe @neurodiversity #ActuallyAutistic #MadPride #MentalHealth #Neurodiversity
Excerpt from my latest newsletter installment. Discussion the risk that RFK Jr. Presents to Autistic people.
https://www.davidgrayhammond.co.uk/p/rfk-jr-is-one-of-the-biggest-threats
Some relevant reading, for those interested:
https://neurolaunch.com/autism-obsession-with-truth/
"A 2005 study suggested that up to 44% of people with ADHD had comorbid (i.e. coexisting) RLS, and up to 26% of people with RLS had confirmed ADHD or symptoms of the condition"
Ik ben nieuw op Mastodon. Ik heb een hoofd vol ideeën en zoek een sympathiek platform om daarmee te klooien, te delen en te leren enzo. Dus: hoi allemaal! Ik ben benieuwd.
Maar hoe te beginnen? Ik heb een korte Mastdodon cursus gevolgd, maar ik blijf wat drempelvrees voelen. Een mede cursist gaf me een voorzetje. Ze had mijn profieltekst gelezen en was benieuwd wat ik allemaal in de berm zie, terwijl anderen rechtdoor liepen. Goede vraag! Ik heb al een idee. Wordt vervolgd. #neurodiversity
What's the best intro to #neurodiversity and #autism material you know of? I feel like it's even more important to do outreach and education now than ever before. I'd guess RFKjr's anti-autism rant this week set us back years in public education and acceptance, so we have to up our game now and fight back with better information.
So what's good material for doing outreach? There is so much misunderstanding, and I just want people to know autism isn't all those awful things Kennedy spewed lies about, and we aren't a danger to anyone. I have my own few favorites I use, but I'd love to see what other folks like.
#ActuallyAutistic #AskingAutistics
since i have yet to see anybody mention Rosemary #Kennedy (#RFKJr’s aunt) and her forced #lobotomy, here ya go:
“Rosemary Kennedy and the Era of Lobotomy | American Council on Science and Health” https://www.acsh.org/news/2005/01/19/rosemary-kennedy-and-the-era-of-lobotomy
this article was written by Jack el-Hai, whose book THE LOBOTOMIST, was the basis for a #PBS American Experience #documentary
https://archive.org/details/olobotomistadocumentario2008
btw, RFK Jr’s aunt Eunice founded the #SpecialOlympics
https://www.history.com/articles/kennedy-family-secret-inspired-special-olympics
This is the first time I have ever had a fellow #AuDHD as a kindred companion & it feels amazing. The mutual understanding & spiritual bond we share has brightened up both of our lives. I have never felt this level of naturally flowing, deeply profound, intimate connection with anyone else before.
I treasure this unexpected, sacred blessing. I am immensely grateful 
Why am I still tired after sleeping 8 hours?"
Turns out, exhaustion isn’t always about sleep. The hidden mental health links: Anxiety’s energy tax (your brain burns 20% more calories in worry mode)
Repressed emotions = chronic tension (try this 2-minute body scan)
The ADHD burnout cycle (if you’re neurospicy)
My therapist calls this "invisible fatigue" — and most doctors miss it.
Deep dive + solutions: https://bit.ly/4j7Nkn0
Boost if you’ve felt this! #MentalHealth #Neurodiversity
From now through May 11, you can use this link to get the audio version of my book Neuroqueer Heresies for 50% off!
#books #audiobooks #neuroqueer #neurodiversity #neurodivergence #queer #autism #autistic #psychology #cognition #consciousness #bodymind
Something that I have long suspected, talking to another neurodiverse person is like speaking in another language, I often feel like I'm not even the same species as neurotypical people.
#autism #autistic #neurodiverse #neurodiversity #adhd
Just to save time and resources. I did it for them.
New Article! Why Autism Awareness & Acceptance Are Relevant To Autism Diagnosis
https://emergentdivergence.com/2025/04/13/why-autism-awareness-acceptance-are-relevant-to-autism-diagnosis
#ActuallyAutistic #autism #ADHD #neurodiversity #neurodivergent @actuallyautistic @autisticadvocacy @neurodiversity
